A Dozen Things to NEVER Throw Out, According to Professional Organizers

Professional organizers tend to be minimalists who encourage you to part with anything you’re not using. “There’s a rule of thumb that if you can replace something for $20 or less, in 20 minutes or less, don’t save it,” says Barbara Reich, owner of Life Organized and author of Secrets of an Organized Mom. But even organizers make exceptions. There are a few items they advise keeping out of convenience, necessity, or sentiment—provided you have room to store these things and are committed to keeping them properly organized. Here are a variety of household wares you may not cherish now but will be glad you have on a rainy day (especially number three).

Tools

When it’s Christmas Eve and you’re struggling to assemble a dollhouse or you just moved and are trying to put together a shelving unit from IKEA, you’ll be happy you hung onto that hammer, wrench, and screwdriver. “You may not consider yourself handy, but tools are helpful in case of emergencies and for minor repairs,” says Stephanie Greenberg, creative director at Jane’s Addiction Organization.

How to store them: “If you have wall space in your garage or basement, organize tools on a pegboard, but a toolbox, bag, or bin will do the trick if you’re planning on storing tools under the kitchen sink,” Greenberg says. “Just be sure to separate and label smart parts, screws, and nails into plastic containers and label them.”

Birthday Cake Candles

We’ve all been there: You go out of your way to buy—or bake!—a cake only to realize two minutes before you’re about to sing “Happy Birthday to You” that you don’t have any candles. That’s why it’s important to never throw these out. “I’m always in favor of keeping birthday candles on hand, especially because they don’t take up much space,” Reich says.

How to store them: Store them in your pantry in a clear container so you always know where to find them.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are easily lost or broken so they are a good thing to hoard—but don’t go crazy.

How to store them: “Place as many as you can fit in an umbrella stand,” says Reich. (If you don’t have one, they are a wise investment and can look very stylish in a front hall.) “Then place one or two in each car,” she adds.

Seasonal Decorations

“There is no better way to add warmth and festivity to your home than with a few seasonal accents,” says Greenberg. But since holiday decor is expensive and often sentimental, it’s not something you want to shop for every year.

How to store them: After each holiday, go through your decorations to weed out things that are broken or worn out—and then pack whatever can still be used next year in clear plastic containers that are clearly labeled by holiday. “Using the same size/shape container for all your decor will make it easier to stack and store them,” Greenberg adds.

The Headphones They Gave You on the Airplane

If you want to watch TV or a movie on a flight, you will need to bring headphones, or buy them from a flight attendant once you board the plane.

How to store them: Save yourself some cash by storing a pair of headphones in each piece of carry-on luggage so every family member always has a pair whenever you travel. “They take up no space!” says Reich.

Works of Art

Unlike old furniture, art is fairly easy to store and is more likely to be used again in your home. “Rotating art can make a house feel brand new again,” says professional organizer Corrie Jackson, co-founder of Maison Haven Luxe Organizers. “It just needs to be stored properly to prevent damage.”

How to store them: Wrap each piece of art tightly with a blanket or bubble wrap, and then either store them upright in a box or slide an acid-free foam board between each wrapped piece of artwork. Clearly label each box so you don’t disturb your collection every time you go hunting around for a certain picture.

Vintage Cocktail Glasses, Plates, and Bowls

Greenberg suggests not only holding onto these unique tabletop items, but rotating them in with your everyday dinnerware. And it doesn’t matter if pieces have been broken over the years, and you no longer have a full set: “It’s rare that you will still have—or will be able to find—a full set, but that shouldn’t stop you from mixing and matching the pieces you have to create a charming and whimsical tablescape.” This advice extends to anything precious around your home that would be hard to ever find again.

How to organize them: Keep them in a cabinet where they’re easy to reach to remind yourself to use them.

Complimentary Toothbrushes From the Dentist

Most of us toss these or have them haphazardly stashed under the sink, “but they are a good thing to have around when you have houseguests,” says Jen Rowe, owner, NEAT Method Toronto.

How to organize them: Place a couple of these individually wrapped toothbrushes in a basket along with other products and set the basket in your guest bathroom to create an inviting atmosphere.

Adult Halloween Costumes

If you have a cowboy hat from a Western party or a flapper dress from a Roaring 20’s fete, by all means keep them—and wear them to your next costume party. “Just be selective about how many costumes or costume pieces you’re keeping,” advises Rowe.

How to organize them: Pack your favorites in a bin clearly labeled “Costumes” so you know where to find them before your next bash.

Bottles of Wine (Even Ones You Don’t Like)

Chances are you have a few bottles of Chardonnay hanging around that someone brought you as a hostess gift or that are left over from a party that you threw a few years ago. “I always keep a few extra bottles of wine on hand for last-minute hostess gifts," says Reich. “I have pre-printed cards that fit over the neck of the wine bottles that say ‘Love, Barbara and Jeff.’”

How to organize them: Store extra bottles in a cool, dark spot in case you need to bring one to a dinner party, or an unexpected guest stops by for a drink.

Important Documents

In a digital world, it can be tempting to get rid of paper—but it’s important to hold onto original copies of important documents related to your home and vehicle, and any documentation related to your identification (like your passport), as well as any legal documents, health records, or important certificates (university diplomas, marriage certificate, religious certificates).

How to organize them: “It’s best to store these in a fireproof safe,” says Rowe.

Notes From Loved Ones, Photographs, Old Ticket Stubs, Yearbooks, And Other Sentimental Items

These things can be meaningful to look back on, so don’t throw them away—but be thoughtful about how to store them.

How to organize them: “If something is worth keeping, store it in a manner that reflects its importance to you. For example, if you’ve saved ticket stubs from every sporting event you’ve ever attended, make an album as opposed to throwing them in a drawer,” says Reich. Same goes for pictures. If you have piles of photographs, “digitize your images—which will make them last longer and make them easier to share with friends and family—and there are companies like Legacybox.com and ScanMyPhotos.com who will do it for you,” says Greenberg. If you want to keep hard copies, Rowe recommends investing in photo storage containers which will keep them organized and protected.

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